India launches world's biggest national census

Over the next six months when officials visit you and seek details of your family, do cooperate. That is the message for the 120 crore (1.2 billion) people of India who are being enumerated on the basis of their socio-economic indicators to help the government scheme its developmental plans.

The census is an important exercise that compiles the socio-economic indicators of people.

The once-in-a-decade exercise that kicked off Thursday - 15th since the national census was started in 1872 - is the world's second most populous nation after China becomes more challenging and important this time. The last census was held in 2001.

For the first time, officials would step beyond the demographics and economic activity and would collect details, including ownership of mobile phones, computers, internet, and availability of treated or untreated drinking water facility.